Good tooth extraction aftercare helps the socket heal quickly and lowers the risk of problems such as bleeding, infection or dry socket. Follow these simple steps in the days after your extraction.
After a tooth extraction, the first few days are about protecting the healing area, reducing irritation and knowing when to call the dentist. Your dentist will give you instructions for your situation, but the guide below answers common aftercare questions.
What Should I Do Straight After A Tooth Extraction?
Bite gently on the gauze as advised, rest for the remainder of the day and avoid disturbing the extraction area. Keep your head slightly elevated and avoid heavy exercise until your dentist says it is suitable.
Can I Eat After A Tooth Extraction?
Eat soft, cool or lukewarm foods once the numbness has worn off enough to chew safely. Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, hard foods, seeds and crunchy foods early on because they can irritate the healing area.
What Should I Avoid After An Extraction?
- Do not smoke or vape while the socket is healing.
- Avoid rinsing forcefully on the first day.
- Do not drink through a straw.
- Avoid poking the area with your tongue, fingers or utensils.
- Follow any medicine instructions exactly as given.
How Long Does Tooth Extraction Healing Take?
Most people notice the area becoming more comfortable over several days, although healing time varies depending on the tooth, the reason for removal and your general health. More complex extractions and wisdom teeth can need extra review or different instructions.
When Should I Call The Dentist?
Call the clinic if pain is worsening instead of improving, bleeding will not settle, swelling is increasing, you notice a bad taste or smell, or you feel unwell. These signs do not always mean something serious, but they should be checked.
Can Extractions Be Done With Local Anaesthetic, IV Sedation Or GA?
Many simple extractions can be completed with local anaesthetic. Depending on the tooth, anxiety level, medical history and complexity, IV sedation or general anaesthetic may also be discussed or arranged through an appropriate provider.
Tooth Extraction Help Near Glenmore Park
Glenmore Park Dental Services supports patients from Glenmore Park, Jamisontown, Regentville, Orchard Hills, Mulgoa, Emu Plains, Kingswood and Cranebrook with extraction advice and review appointments.
Related pages: tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and emergency dentist care.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare: The First Week
For the first 24 hours, bite gently on gauze if there is oozing, rest with your head raised, and avoid rinsing, spitting, hot drinks, alcohol, smoking and drinking through a straw so the blood clot can settle. From the next day, rinse gently with warm salty water after meals and keep brushing your other teeth. Stick to soft, cool foods and chew on the other side. Most sockets feel much better within a week, and full healing of the gum takes around two weeks.
When to Call Us
Contact us if bleeding does not slow with firm pressure, if pain gets worse after two or three days, or if you notice swelling, fever or a bad taste. Healthdirect has more information on tooth extraction and recovery. You can also read about our tooth extraction service in Glenmore Park or visit our emergency dentist page.
Having a wisdom tooth taken out? Read the signs your wisdom teeth may need removing.